PolestarEducation:
PSE100
Polestar Principles Online

Polestar Principles Online

About This Course

This online, non-apparatus component of the Polestar Pilates Comprehensive course, presented by Polestar Founder Brent D. Anderson, introduces current research in movement science and motor learning through Joseph H. Pilates Principles and Polestar Pilates 6 Principles of Movement. The online Principles Course provides an effective tool to aid comprehension and instructional practice. This online course can be taken in multiple sittings and can be watched several times for optimal learning. Short quizzes are offered throughout to identify the most important concepts and to help students organize their thoughts and study time.

Prerequisites

An interest in enhancing your knowledge of movement and movement potential

Strongly Suggested: One semester of basic anatomy/physiology or equivalent

Educators

Brent Anderson, PhD, PT, OCS, PMA®-CPT

Founder, Polestar Pilates

A licensed physical therapist and orthopedic certified specialist for more than 22 years, Brent is a leading authority in performing arts medicine and Pilates-evolved techniques for rehabilitation. He lectures widely at national and international symposia and consults with hospitals, universities, and rehabilitation and wellness companies throughout the world. In addition, he owns and operates Polestar Physical Therapy and Pilates Center in Miami, FL, which serves as a model for the use of Pilates for rehabilitation.

Brent received his degree in Physical Therapy at University of California, San Francisco in 1989 and his PhD. in Physical Therapy at the University of Miami in 2005. His doctoral thesis explored the impact of Pilates rehabilitation on chronic low back pain using psycho-emotional wellness and quality of life measures. He is currently adjunct faculty at the University of Miami, Division of Physical Therapy.

From his extensive background in rehabilitation and movement science, Brent has applied critical reasoning skills and supportive scientific research to Joseph Pilates' revolutionary mind-body work. He also brings to the Polestar curriculum an investigation of the effects of psychology and energy systems on motor control and motor learning.

Shelly Power, BS, PMA®-CPT

Shelly Power is the co-founder of Polestar Pilates Center Miami, a Pilates conditioning, rehabilitation and physical therapy studio in Miami, Florida. Shelly is a Polestar Principal Educator, has taught for Polestar Education since its inception in 1992 and currently coordinates the Curriculum Committee. In Dec 2012, Shelly was elected to the PMA Board of Directors, and currently serves as Vice President.

Shelly is certified in GYROTONIC®, having trained with Angela Crowley and has completed the first year of Franklin-Method® training with Eric Franklin. She has been a member of International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS), is a member of the Pilates Method Alliance and is a PMA Certified Pilates Teacher.

Shelly danced professionally for 12 years with the Sacramento-based modern dance company Dale Scholl Dance/Art. She received her BS degree in Dance from California State University, Sacramento, where she served on the faculty from 1992-1998. She studied Pilates and worked as a physical therapy aide with Polestar President Brent Anderson at his clinic, Anderson Physical Therapy, in their native Sacramento for 7 years, and later moved with Polestar to Miami in 1998.

Shelly teaches nationally and internationally for Polestar Pilates Education. Shelly also administers exams, conducts Pilates workshops and Polestar Mentor and Educator trainings worldwide and brings a unique and fresh approach to the work of Joseph Pilates.

Sherri Betz, PT, GCS, CEEAA, PMA®-CPT

Sherri was the Vice-President of the Pilates Method Alliance and served on the PMA Board of Directors from 2003-2009, became PMA Pilates Certified in 2005 and served on the PMA Pilates Certification Exam National Panel to improve the quality of Pilates Instruction. Sherri currently serves as the PMA Research Committee Chair. Selected to serve on the Foundation for Osteoporosis Research and Education (FORE) Professional Education Committee and the NOF Exercise and Rehabilitation Advisory Council, Sherri is involved in improving awareness about bone health for the lay public, exercise teachers and for healthcare professionals. She has developed the Do It Right and Prevent Fractures Booklet for FORE/American Bone Health.

Sherri began her career as a national gymnastics competitor and as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer for Nautilus Fitness Centers in the 1980's. Inspired by the work of a physical therapist in one of the clubs where she trained, Sherri began to pursue a degree in physical therapy. She is a 1991 graduate of the Louisiana State University Medical Center's School of Physical Therapy. Sherri has been the physical therapist for the San Jose Sharks Professional Hockey Team, nationally ranked pairs and singles figure skaters, and Elite-level gymnasts in their rehabilitation and in development of their Pilates-based training programs. Studies with Ron Fletcher and Kyria Sabin have inspired her to become licensed in Fletcher Pilates Towelwork® and Fletcher Pilates Spine Corrector®, and become a graduate of the Ron Fletcher Program of Study. She is also certified in GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESISTM.

Sherri has been a Polestar educator since 1999. She has developed an advanced program in Osteoporosis Management for Polestar Education. Extensive research on the treatment and prevention of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis led to the development of several DVDs. She has published the The Osteoporosis Exercise Book: Building Better Bones, 2nd Edition with integration of Pilates and Physical Therapy principles and exercise modifications for those at risk for fracture. She is a Geriatric Clinical Specialist, certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and Exercise Expert for Aging Adults. She teaches community-based classes for osteoporosis, balance and fall prevention for older adults at the Capitola Recreation Center, serves on the Board of Directors of American Bone Health and hosts the American Bone Health Lecture Series-a support and seminar group in Santa Cruz. Sherri is also the Chair of the American Physical Therapy Association's Bone Health Special Interest Group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy a textbook?

You will need to purchase the Polestar Principles Manual. Refer to your confirmation email or by clicking the link in the Course Information sidebar when you log in to the course. You also have the following required readings:

Can I re-watch the course after completing it?

Yes, you may review the course as many times as you like.

How long will it take to complete Polestar Principles Online?

There are 10 hours of video, plus quizzes and discussion. You may take the course at your own pace, just remember to complete everything prior to attending SR1 if taking the Comprehensive series. Most students complete one or two sections at a time.

What other requirements do I have for this course?

It is strongly recommended that you have taken one semester of basic anatomy/physiology prior to taking the Principles course. This will help you get the most out of the lectures.

Should I be practicing Pilates while taking this course?

If you are continuing on to the Comprehensive series, we recommend that are doing 1-2 hours of Pilates a week. This will help you complete the 25-hour pre-requisite and you can begin to experience the Principles while you are moving.